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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Review: Benedict Cumberbatch’s new franchise is worth your time

Movie Name: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch

Director: Sam Raimi

Stars: 4

The notion of a multiverse in the superhero realm has allowed for numerous narratives and possibilities to flourish in the Marvel universe. The story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is based on Stephen’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) encounters with parallel realms and universes. The sequel to the 2016 film sees Benedict Cumberbatch reprise his role as the cloaked superhero, while Wanda Maximoff takes on a new identity as the Scarlet Witch. Wanda, embracing her witchy alter-ego, has the Darkhold at the tip of her fingers, and her motives are clearly disapproved of by Strange, Wong (Benedict Wong), and others. While dealing with Wanda, Strange also transitions from tackling one ‘kid’ in Spider-Man: No Way Home — Tom Holland’s Peter Parker — to another America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez).

In his newest picture, horror legend Sam Raimi attempts to make the film as dark as possible while maintaining his characteristic tone. The film opens with America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) offering Strange a glimpse into the ordeals his character faces in many realms. There is a good Stephen and a terrible Stephen, and the white and black tones frequently blend into grey. There’s also the love tale between Strange and the one who got away – Christine Palmer – that we root for (Rachel McAdams). Wanda Maximoff, on the other hand, is the only character whose existence makes this multiverse disaster bearable (Elizabeth Olsen). Wanda’s Multiverse Madness might have been a better title for the film. The problem with Raimi’s.

In an otherwise monotonous scenario, Benedict Wong as Strange’s sidekick is a pleasant breath of new air. Cumberbatch is in fine form, but he appears to be tired of having too much to do with so little material for his character to keep the thrill going.

What the picture lacks in content, it more than makes up for in aesthetics. The film is visually spectacular and includes some really cool battle sequences, particularly one that pays homage to Raimi’s very own Evil Dead. Olsen has a lot of screen time, and her journey from Wanda to the Scarlet Witch is one of the film’s highlights.

Final verdict:  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will not let Marvel fans down. This Strange is darker and more serious than the previous instalments. If you approach this universe of possibilities with an open mind, you may not be disappointed.

Vidya

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In a world full of writers, I'll just be another one with an edge to be the best. I am a content writer by trade and part-time poet.

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Vidya

In a world full of writers, I'll just be another one with an edge to be the best. I am a content writer by trade and part-time poet.
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